Moving from Virginia Beach to Arlington, VA
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Quick answer: Moving from Virginia Beach to Arlington costs $264–$5,834, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 205-mile route within Virginia take 1–2 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 103+ Virginia moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Virginia Beach to Arlington?
Moving from Virginia Beach to Arlington doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 205-mile move:
Moving from Virginia Beach to Arlington costs between $264 and $5,834, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 205-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $1,542–$4,720 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,254–$2,366 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $307–$595 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $97/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 103+ Virginia movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Virginia Beach to Arlington?
The cost to move from Virginia Beach to Arlington ranges from $264 to $5,834, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Pricing on this 205-mile route depends on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:
- Full-service movers: $913–$5,834
- Moving containers: $984–$2,928
- Rental trucks: $264–$673
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves cover packing, loading, transport, and unloading end-to-end. Professional packing on its own adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower the price because you handle loading and unloading while the company drives the container.
- Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you drive 205 miles and provide all the labor.
- Running quotes through moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% versus their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $913–$3,577 | $984–$1,744 | $264–$508 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,542–$4,720 | $1,254–$2,366 | $307–$595 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,096–$5,834 | $1,548–$2,928 | $353–$673 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 103+ Virginia moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
What extra fees should you expect on a Virginia Beach to Arlington move?
Plan for a few extra fees on a Virginia Beach to Arlington move: professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. They aren't usually included in initial quotes, but together they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $97/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Virginia Beach to Arlington
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Virginia Beach to Arlington, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 205 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Virginia Beach to Arlington. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout Virginia, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 205 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More Virginia moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Arlington to Virginia Beach guide.
How does Arlington compare to Virginia Beach?
Cost of living: Virginia Beach vs. Arlington
The cost of living in Virginia Beach vs. Arlington is more than just housing costs. Rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends all shape your budget. The comparison below shows how life in Arlington measures up against Virginia Beach.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Virginia Beach | Arlington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,950 | $2,718 |
| Average home cost | $366,324 | $866,334 |
| Average income (per capita) | $90,685 | $140,160 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $4,533 | $6,867 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,910 | $11,970 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 4.0% |
| Average sales tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
Cost-of-living data for Virginia Beach and Arlington comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 103+ Virginia cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Arlington are 39% higher than in Virginia Beach. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 39% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
- Home prices in Arlington are 136% higher than Virginia Beach. Existing equity from a Virginia Beach sale may not stretch as far in the Arlington market.
- Average income in Arlington runs 55% higher than Virginia Beach. Job seekers can target a salary lift on a same-role move.
- Cost of living for one person is 51% higher in Arlington than Virginia Beach. Budget the gap into your monthly plan rather than absorbing it through reduced savings.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 moving to Arlington runs 103% higher than Virginia Beach. Confirm school, childcare, and healthcare costs in the destination ZIP code before locking the move.
- Unemployment in Arlington is 17% lower than Virginia Beach. The tighter labor market favors job seekers with leverage on salary and benefits.
- Sales taxes are nearly identical in Arlington and Virginia Beach. No tax-driven adjustment to spending behavior is required.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Virginia Beach, you'll need about $4,530 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Arlington.
How life is different in Virginia Beach vs. Arlington
A look at how life in Arlington measures up to Virginia Beach covers weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The comparison below makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Virginia Beach | Arlington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 457,672 | 238,643 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 81-17 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 32ºF | 27ºF |
| Annual rain | 47" | 43" |
| Annual snow | 6" | 15" |
| Crime index | 42.0 | 15.67 |
- Arlington is roughly 48% smaller in size than Virginia Beach. The smaller scale typically translates to lower density, lower cost, and a tighter local job market.
- During the last presidential election, both Virginia Beach and Arlington supported the Democratic candidate.
- Summer highs in Arlington (88°F) match Virginia Beach (88°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows are comparable in Virginia Beach (32°F) and Arlington (27°F). Heating loads stay level.
- Annual rainfall matches across Virginia Beach (47 inches) and Arlington (43 inches). Existing rain habits and gear carry over.
- Annual snowfall in Arlington is 15 inches, vs. 6 inches in Virginia Beach. Plan for snow tires, plowing services, and a longer winter season.
- Crime index in Arlington (15.67) runs lower than Virginia Beach (42.0). The safety profile typically translates to insurance and housing flexibility.
Things to do in Arlington
Adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and college campuses define Arlington's lifestyle profile. The categories below highlight where to start.
Museums in Arlington
- JW Tumbles
- Ball-Sellers House Museum
- David M. Brown Planetarium
- Arlington Historical Museum
- Arlington Arts Center
Parks in Arlington
- Gravelly Point Park
- Long Bridge Park
- Bon Air Park
- Upton Hill Regional Park
- Potomac Overlook Regional Park
Sports teams in Arlington
- Arlington Youth Football Club
Universities in Arlington
- Marymount University
Final verdict: best movers from Virginia Beach to Arlington
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Virginia Beach to Arlington, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Virginia service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $264–$5,834 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 103+ Virginia movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Virginia Beach to Arlington
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Virginia Beach to Arlington?
A full-service move from Virginia Beach to Arlington typically costs $819–$3,205 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $1,542–$4,720. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, prices fall between $2,096 and $5,834 on the same route.
How much are moving container companies from Virginia Beach to Arlington?
Moving containers from Virginia Beach to Arlington have typical costs as follows. For a studio or 1-bedroom, prices fall between $636 and $1,617. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $1,254–$2,366. For 4–5 bedroom homes, moves typically range from $1,548 to $2,928.
How much is a moving truck from Virginia Beach to Arlington?
A rental moving truck from Virginia Beach to Arlington costs $283–$498 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $307–$595. A 4-bedroom or larger move costs $353–$673.
Rental trucks are the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. Estimated fuel costs are factored into the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Virginia Beach-to-Arlington movers?
Lock in your movers for a Virginia Beach to Arlington move at least 2 months before your big day. For a summer move, aim for 3 months ahead, since spots fill up fast. Early booking boosts your chances of getting the date you want, and many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Arlington?
The cheapest time of year to move to Arlington is between early October and late April. This period falls outside the moving industry's peak season (May through September), which means demand and pricing both run lower. Most U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months saves money.
